Which behaviors are controlled

Less detailed instructions reflects less control, indicating that the worker is more likely an independent contractor. Note: The amount of instruction needed varies among different jobs. Even if no instructions are given, sufficient behavioral control may exist if the employer has the right to control how the work results are achieved. A business may lack the knowledge to instruct some highly specialized professionals; in other cases, the task may require little or no instruction.

The key consideration is whether the business has retained the right to control the details of a worker's performance or instead has given up that right.

If an evaluation system measures the details of how the work is performed, then these factors would point to an employee. If the evaluation system measures just the end result, then this can point to either an independent contractor or an employee. If the business provides the worker with training on how to do the job, this indicates that the business wants the job done in a particular way. This is strong evidence that the worker is an employee. Periodic or on-going training about procedures and methods is even stronger evidence of an employer-employee relationship.

In this article, we describe signs that a person is controlling and how control relates to abuse. We also look at the causes of controlling behavior and how to deal with it. A person may try to control a situation by placing themselves in charge and doing everything themselves. A person may try to control others through manipulation, coercion, or threats and intimidation.

Someone who is controlling may want to control people close to them, such as their partner or family members. Or, they may want to gain power and control over large groups of people. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline , a person is abusive if they use behaviors force someone into doing what they want.

These behaviors can include:. In an intimate relationship, a controlling partner may :. These abusive behaviors may appear slowly, making them difficult to detect, or they may escalate suddenly after the couple has created a strong bond.

Some of these behaviors may occur, for example, in friendships, family relationships, and workplace relationships. For some people, attempting to control situations or events is a way of coping with anxiety. For example, a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder , or OCD, may need to have control over their environment or routine due to intense fears of contamination or crime.

Learn more about different types of anxiety disorder. Some personality disorders can make a person more likely to use controlling behavior. Some examples include:. Personality disorders are long-term mental health conditions. Some people with BPD make significant improvements with psychotherapy, but they may need 10 years or more of treatment before they function well in a range of relationships and at work, for example.

Abusive partners have often learned controlling behavior, and other forms of abuse, from other people. They may have grown up in an abusive household or learned from caregivers that it is their right to exert power over their partner. In these cases, it is possible for the person to change their behaviors and attitudes.

But for this to happen, the person must truly want to change and take steps to achieve it. It is crucial to note that while mental health conditions and past trauma can contribute to controlling behavior, these issues do not justify or excuse abuse. The first step is to figure out whether or not the controlling behavior is abusive. If it is not, it may be a good idea to talk to the person about their behavior. A person cannot make someone want to change their behavior.

If a person attempts to talk calmly and openly with someone, and they do not listen, the person may need to distance themselves or end the relationship.

In other cases, when a person demonstrates abusive behavior, such as coercive control, it may be dangerous to confront them. The National Domestic Violence Hotline recommend creating a safety plan. It may involve:.

Emotional abuse in an intimate relationship often predicts physical abuse. Signs that a relationship has become dangerous include :. Helplines, support groups, therapists, counselors, and a range of other resources are available to ensure that a person can leave a situation safely and recover.

To a degree, everyone wants to control what happens to them. If a relationship is unhealthy but not abusive, it may be possible for a controlling person to work on changing their behavior. However, coercive control can escalate to physical violence.